Source: Supplied.

Repsol Honda has called upon its 2006 MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden to ride the 2016 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island in place of Dani Pedrosa.

A full decade after he clinched his lone world championship, the 35-year-old American will make his second MotoGP appearance of the season after filling in for Jack Miller at Aragon.

It’s a special reunion for current WorldSBK regular Hayden at Repsol Honda alongside newly-crowned triple world champion Marc Marquez, returning to Phillip Island where he claimed a MotoGP podium as a rookie in 2003.

“First of all my best wishes to Dani, I’m sure he will come back stronger than ever like he always does,” Hayden said. “For me it’s crazy hard work, but it’s a chance, 10 years after winning my world title, to get back to my old dream team!

“Doing a weekend in Phillip Island on a factory Honda, it’s pretty emotional for me to even think about it and I’m very grateful for this opportunity and the trust that Honda gives me. I want also to thank my current team for allowing me to go and do this and the sponsors.

“Everybody worked a lot on every detail to make it possible for me, so now I’m excited to get on a plane, to get down to Phillip Island and hopefully I can do a good job for the team.

“Regarding Phillip Island there are two things to always consider, the weather and the tyres, but it’s a track I love and I can’t wait to ride the bike there. Let’s get started on Friday morning and go forward.”

The confirmation of Hayden ends Australian Superbike champion Troy Herfoss’ hopes of securing a seat on the MotoGP grid, with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) opting for experience over the domestic title-winner.